Tanzania

A black, magnetic sand dune moves across the savanna of northern Tanzania.

Shifting Sands is a solitary crescent-shaped dune near Oldupai Gorge. Wind moves it around 17 metres westwards each year, yet the sand stays together in a distinct formation. 

The sand consists of volcanic material from Ol Doinyo Lengai and is rich in iron-bearing minerals. Push a magnet into the dune and black grains of magnetite stick to it. The strong magnetism helps the grains stay together rather than disperse in the wind. 

Throw a handful into the air and the grains clump together and fall back towards the dune instead of scattering like ordinary loose sand.

Ol Doinyo Lengai means “Mountain of God” in Maa and is sacred to the Maasai. The moving dune also carries cultural and spiritual significance in the area.